NAKHON PHANOM, Dec 2 (TNA) – The water levels of the
Mekong River have fallen to a critical level, posing threats to people’s
livelihoods, farming activities and tour boat operations.
The Mekong water level in the northeastern province of
Nakhon Phanom has dropped to one of the lowest on record and fell at the
fastest pace in 50 years.
Low rainfall in the past rainy season and water retention of
Chinese dams have been blamed for the worrying situation. Farmers have faced problems and higher burden
to find sufficient water.
Sand bars have emerged in the river and interrupted boat
services.
A 62-year-old tour boat operator Narong Taosri said the
water levels had fluctuated until it dropped unprecedentedly this time of the
year.
Water color turned to ocean-like turquoise; “although it
looked nice it could mean disaster will follow,” he said.
Cargo boats that Thai and Lao merchant rely for their border
trade now have to make long detour.
Large ship like Mekong Paradis Cruise has been forced to
suspend its operation. The ship has been
anchored and served only as a floating restaurant.
According to experts, the Mekong water levels during the
rainy season from June to July are among the lowest on record due partly to
below-average rainfall.
The average lower-than-normal rain volume in the lower
Mekong basin during June-July could also cause the deficient groundwater in the
region. This means there is insufficient groundwater contributing to the Mekong
mainstream.(TNA)
